A module for training residents in public mental health systems and community resources

The authors describe a six-month training module in public psychiatry developed in 1991 at the University of Miami Medical School. The module is centered on weekly intensive site visits to a range of community and advocacy programs, including the state hospital, services targeted to different groups at various community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment programs, forensic sites, rehabilitation centers, and family and consumer groups. Preliminary evaluation results indicate that residents gain a better understanding of community services and of system linkages and barriers and appear to develop a more positive prognostic attitude. They also gain a clearer picture of the many roles of community psychiatrists.